Japanese Government To Promote Media Arts Industry

The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo will offer financial backing to discover and promote overseas young talent in animation, computer graphics and videogame programs in fiscal 2007, according to a report in JAPAN TODAY.COM

The agency seeks 440 million yen in budgetary allocations, awaiting approval. Funding would begin April 1 2007, to commission new work for around three million yen by artists who win contests or are recommended by experts, the officials said. Other efforts include improving websites on media arts.